Margie N. Garrett was elected to the Compton Unified School District Governing Board of Trustees in 2009 and re-elected in 2013. During Garrett’s first term she served as President, and Vice-President. Garrett continues her strong advocacy for public education and early child education as the Board’s Legislative Representative, leading CUSD’s legislative advocacy in Washington D.C. and in Sacramento.

Garrett is a native East Texan, who moved to Southern California in 1960 and has resided in Compton for over 50 years. She began her undergraduate educational pursuit at Jarvis Christian College in Texas and continued it at Compton Community College. Garrett received her Bachelor Degree from California State University at Dominguez Hills and continued her graduate and fifth year studies/Masters Degree Program at National University and the University of California at Los Angeles.

Garrett’s passionate mission to improve the quality of education in Compton Unified School District began over 40 years ago when she served as a Noon Duty Aide, Head Start Teacher, and State Preschool Teacher at Marian Anderson Elementary School. Her commitment and advocacy for early childhood education was evident in the performance of her duties as the Child Development Resource Teacher and Parent Involvement Trainer. Garrett continued to show her love and dedication for the students of the district as a kindergarten and primary grade teacher at Carver Elementary School. Garrett topped off her 43-year career as a Reading First Literacy Coach/Resource Teacher. In June 2009 she retired.

For more than 40 years, Garrett has been involved as a teacher’s union activist and leader, serving the teachers as President and Vice President of the Board of Directors, Bargaining Committee Chairperson and as Political Action Chairperson. Garrett’s involvement at the State Teachers Association level included State Council Representative, Legislative Contact, Liaison Committee and CTA /ABC Political Funding Committee. Garrett was honored by her California Teachers Association collogues with the Southeastern Service Center and State Who Award (We Honor Our Own).

Garrett’s fight continues for educational excellence, fiscal accountability, and a cleaner and safer learning environment for students and improved working conditions for all district employees. Her priorities include more career path opportunities, decreasing the dropout rate and improved early childhood education.

An integral part of the district for over 40 years, Garrett brings to this seat a wealth of knowledge, a historical perspective about the District and dedication to her community. The many awards and commendations recognizing her as a loyal volunteer and dedicated community activist to numerous community, church and service organizations are a testimony to her lifelong career.